6 Best Cheap Fun Party Games 2025 Reviewed
Looking for cheap fun party games? Gather your friends for laughter and quick rounds. These picks deliver big fun without breaking the bank.
Looking for cheap fun party games that won’t wreck your wallet or your friendships? We get it—sometimes, you just want a game that’s easy to learn, quick to play, and hilarious with friends. When we pick cheap fun party games for our list, we focus on price, how simple they are to teach, and if they turn an awkward silence into a full-blown laugh fest. We tested these with our own friends (even the ones who claim they ‘hate games’). Get ready to meet the six best cheap fun party games to make your next gathering unforgettable!
On this list:
6 No Thanks!
We always pull out No Thanks! when we want cheap fun party games that don’t eat up the night or our wallets. This little card game is perfect when you want bluffing, a bit of risk, and a good laugh. Everyone starts friendly but by round three someone’s grandma is trying to trick you out of your chips. The rules take about a minute to explain—perfect if your crew starts playing before you’ve even set up. The game fits in your pocket, costs less than pizza, and always ends with groans and giggles. It’s a classic case of easy to learn but tough to master, and you don’t need a math degree to win, just a little luck and a sneaky smile.
5 Sushi Go!
Sushi Go! is a hit for anyone searching for cheap fun party games with a bit of cuteness thrown in. The cards look good enough to eat and the gameplay is fast and tasty, too. We love the mix of luck and strategy, and there’s never a dull moment as hands fly around the table. The rules fit on a napkin, and there’s zero downtime—people are always picking, passing, and yelling about who stole their tempura. It’s a blast with friends or family, and since it comes in a tiny tin, we toss it in our bag for game night emergencies. Plus, no one’s ever mad at the end… unless someone hoards all the pudding cards.
4 The Resistance
If your group likes yelling, accusations, and pretending to be a secret agent, The Resistance is the best cheap fun party game around. Every game feels like a spy movie, but with more snacks. We always get a kick out of watching our friends try to keep a straight face while lying about their loyalty. The game has no player elimination, so no one is left out mid-game, and since you can play in big groups, we bring it out at parties all the time. It’s affordable, packs a ton of replay value, and leads to some wild stories (and a bit of grudge holding). Nothing says friendship like blaming your pal for being the traitor—again.
3 Wavelength
Wavelength is the kind of cheap fun party game that makes you wonder if your friends and family are all mind-readers—or just totally weird. We love the way it mixes guessing with teamwork, and there’s always plenty of debate about why someone thinks ‘spicy’ is closer to ‘mild’ than ‘hot.’ The spinning wheel thing feels super fun and is impossible to break (trust us, we tried). It works great for big or small groups, and you don’t have to be a board game pro to join in. Sometimes you’ll win, sometimes you’ll shake your head at your teammate’s answers, but you’ll always get a laugh.
2 Just One
Just One quickly became a favorite for us when we hunted for cheap fun party games that everyone can join in. It’s a pure cooperative experience, so you win or lose together—plus, it’s actually fun when someone comes up with a wacky clue no one expected. The rules are as simple as the whiteboards it comes with, and there’s zero waiting around for your turn. We like how the game’s different every time since you never know what clues people will dream up. It’s light, silly, and even grandma can play (she once won a round by writing ‘beard’ for ‘Santa’). Perfect for mixed groups, family get-togethers, and laughing until your sides hurt.
1 Codenames
We pick Codenames as the best for cheap fun party games because nothing gets a whole room thinking and laughing faster. The rules are so simple that even the ‘I don’t play games’ people will join in before the coffee’s cold. There’s endless replay value—no two games ever play out the same way, and every clue leads to a big ‘aha!’ or a collective groan. You can split into teams, so big groups are no problem, and it costs less than a night at the movies. We’ve played with gamers and non-gamers alike, and it always gets people talking, guessing, and groaning when the assassin word ends the game early. It’s the perfect cheap fun party game because it’s easy, fast, and always a blast.
